Fantasy Football Week 8: Start and Sit

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) celebrates after making a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Andy King)
— AP

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) celebrates after making a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Andy King)
/ AP

RB Ryan Mathews at Browns
20% (12)

WR Percy Harvin at Buccaneers
18% (11)

RB Matt Forte vs. Panthers
16% (10)

QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. Redskins
11% (7)

QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Jaguars
34% (21)

Most fantasy football head-to-head seasons feature a thirteen week regular season, with a three week playoff.

That means most of us have crossed the halfway point in our regular season.

The teams that have gotten off to a good start need to start planning for the playoffs. Begin checking out players with favorable schedules now.

If your team has struggled so far, every game is a must win from here on out. Your season isn't over yet. Head-to-head can be very forgiving. There's still time to surprise your league.

SAN DIEGO AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: None.

Who to start: The Browns have allowed 170 yards rushing per game to opponents outside of their division this season. If Ryan Mathews (Chargers) is going to pay back owners who drafted him early, despite the shoulder injury, this is a good week to start. I expect Philip Rivers (Chargers) to bounce back from his embarrassing primetime performance against the Broncos two weeks ago. On average, Cleveland's defense is allowing the fourth-most QB fantasy points this season. Josh Gordon (Browns) has four touchdowns in the past three weeks. His size is similar to New Orleans' wide receiver Marques Colston, who ran wild through the Bolts' secondary.

Who to sit:Robert Meachem (Chargers) is still the fourth option at best in San Diego's pass offense. Trent Richardson (Browns) is obviously hurting, so I'd advise sitting him until the pain in his ribs subsides.

Sleeper:Brandon Weedon (Browns) isn't going to get confused for Drew Brees or Peyton Manning anytime soon, but he has three straight games with two touchdown passes. With a banged up Richardson, the Browns will run a pass-first offense.

Who to start: Here's a lead-pipe lock: I predict Christian Ponder (Vikings) will surpass the 58 yards passing he had against Arizona last week. He better against the second-weakest pass defense in the league. The once stout rush defense of the Vikings has struggled the past two weeks. Doug Martin (Buccaneers) should be able to take advantage with his average 17 carries per game.

Who to sit:Jerome Simpson (Vikings) has been dealing with injuries. He's also dealing with the fact in an offense that features Peterson, Harvin and an emerging Kyle Rudolph at tight end, there's simply not many opportunities for him. Mike Williams (Buccaneers) hasn't had more than four catches in a game this season. Last year in Minnesota, he only had one reception for minus-4 yards.

Sleeper:Kyle Rudolph (Vikings) was shut down completely last week against the Cardinals. I expect him to bounce back with at least a touchdown this week.

CAROLINA AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: RB Matt Forte (Bears), WR Brandon Marshall (Bears).

Who to start:Steve Smith (Panthers) has ridiculous career numbers against the Bears: Four games, 38 catches, 665 rec. yards (166 per game) and two touchdowns. While Chicago has been the best defense against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy this season, I expect Cam Newton (Panthers) to come through this week. He had 409 total yards and three touchdowns in Chicago last season.